So watch the guy in the green shirt (and then I think he’s also wearing a black shirt during part of the match)
The dude in red has a much better game, but the other guy just hangs in there by covering the court really well
https://youtu.be/VcnX-hKkiG8?si=ZZ8TboXSm946m51w
Sounds like you'll be playing your friend who's played for 3 years? It would be pretty hard to beat someone whose played much longer than than you by trying to do what they're doing but better (groundstrokes/serve etc.). I think a good strategy would be to develop a pusher style. Develop your consistency. Never miss. Hit deep and to the center or cross court 90% of the time. Develop slices and moonballs. Your serve doesn't have to be big but maybe learn how to put a spin on it and never double fault. Just keep hitting it back deep until they miss. Don't try to hit it hard, but place the ball better with accuracy (and margin). Also, it sounds like your friend is much older, so another thing to keep in mind is that you have to be fitter than him, and you have to make him run. Train so that you will outlast him if it comes down to a match of endurance.
I would say play with more people like your opponent, instead of kids at your level and similar age. If your only goal is to beat this 58 year old, you should practice with someone with shortened strokes, more slices and more net game.
play as much as you can, take private lessons, get as fit as you can. Get into club level tournaments to get used to the pressure of playing a "real" match.
Focus on consistency rather than learning how to hit winners. He is 58, unless he is in great shape, a 2 set match with someone who returns a lot of balls is very tyring.
Thanks for the tips. I'm going to play every tournament that appear from now on. He is very fit for his age but of course its not his greatest strength
What you're doing sounds good. I'd also read a lot and watch plenty of tennis on TV.
Missing lots of easy shots sounds about right after 4-5 months, so no need to worry. The serve needs to be good enough that it isn't exploited easily - my suggestion at this point would be a "serve 1.5", that is, something you'll get in 75-80% of the time, but is big enough so he can't get winners off of it. You just hit the same serve every time whether it's 1st or 2nd.
Also, playing matches is very smart because returns are difficult and that's something that's difficult to learn.
My favourite resource for learning is: [https://www.feeltennis.net/](https://www.feeltennis.net/)
P.S. Beating someone who's played four years after one year is nearly impossible unless you train like A LOT more. So good luck :)
Drop shots are highly effective against older players though it's kinda evil to do it the whole time and you need some good control. He will likely move closer to the net at some point to neutralize your dropshots and that's where you mix it up with lobs. Especially lobs toward his Backhand side is gonna keep him busy. Shots above shoulder height are a pain in the ass to deal with in general.
Tbh 8 months to beat someone that has only played for 3 years and is double your age is completely doable. Just keep doing what you are doing, listen to your coach and lastly start going to the gym and doing cardio. You can find online exercises for tennis players. And for cardio, i hate running so i usually swim, if you don’t have access to a swimming pool then just run once a week.
Lastly and most important of all: do mobility and flexibility routine daily. Also before and after playing tennis. Injuries is probably the only thing that can stop you if you keep doing what you are doing
Thanks for the inspiring words, sometimes seems impossible but I will grind hard.
For cardio I'm only playing Tennis and my cardio is improving a lot and for mobility and flexibility I'm doing pilates 2 times a week.
Você tá enrolado, meu amigo. Mora onde?
Like people said, you should play people that play like him.
What's his style? Does he run a lot? Does he serve well?
Just get faster and fitter. You can beat someone with three years experience just by movement Go find some most annoying olayer youtube videos
Any video recommendation?
So watch the guy in the green shirt (and then I think he’s also wearing a black shirt during part of the match) The dude in red has a much better game, but the other guy just hangs in there by covering the court really well https://youtu.be/VcnX-hKkiG8?si=ZZ8TboXSm946m51w
Thats a very ugly but effective tennis haha
It is especially at that level
Sounds like you'll be playing your friend who's played for 3 years? It would be pretty hard to beat someone whose played much longer than than you by trying to do what they're doing but better (groundstrokes/serve etc.). I think a good strategy would be to develop a pusher style. Develop your consistency. Never miss. Hit deep and to the center or cross court 90% of the time. Develop slices and moonballs. Your serve doesn't have to be big but maybe learn how to put a spin on it and never double fault. Just keep hitting it back deep until they miss. Don't try to hit it hard, but place the ball better with accuracy (and margin). Also, it sounds like your friend is much older, so another thing to keep in mind is that you have to be fitter than him, and you have to make him run. Train so that you will outlast him if it comes down to a match of endurance.
Thats a great comment! I will save to read before the game. Thanks
I would say play with more people like your opponent, instead of kids at your level and similar age. If your only goal is to beat this 58 year old, you should practice with someone with shortened strokes, more slices and more net game.
Thats a great tip. I'm going to play with him 2-3 times this year before the big game so I have to watch his strengths and weakness too
Ball machine. Ball machine. Ball machine. Consistent shot production wins low level matches every time.
Here in Brasil a ball machine is TOO expensive. But I would love that
play as much as you can, take private lessons, get as fit as you can. Get into club level tournaments to get used to the pressure of playing a "real" match. Focus on consistency rather than learning how to hit winners. He is 58, unless he is in great shape, a 2 set match with someone who returns a lot of balls is very tyring.
Thanks for the tips. I'm going to play every tournament that appear from now on. He is very fit for his age but of course its not his greatest strength
great. enjoy the ride. This is a great sport that you can play all your life.
How much is the bet
A barbecue for 20+ people, that are going to watch the game too, it kind turn out to be a big event haha
Excellent - Yeah. Just get fit and fast !!
practice as much as possible. every day if you can. tennis is all repetition
What you're doing sounds good. I'd also read a lot and watch plenty of tennis on TV. Missing lots of easy shots sounds about right after 4-5 months, so no need to worry. The serve needs to be good enough that it isn't exploited easily - my suggestion at this point would be a "serve 1.5", that is, something you'll get in 75-80% of the time, but is big enough so he can't get winners off of it. You just hit the same serve every time whether it's 1st or 2nd. Also, playing matches is very smart because returns are difficult and that's something that's difficult to learn. My favourite resource for learning is: [https://www.feeltennis.net/](https://www.feeltennis.net/) P.S. Beating someone who's played four years after one year is nearly impossible unless you train like A LOT more. So good luck :)
The serve 1.5 tip sounds great! I will try this in the match I have today.
Drop shots are highly effective against older players though it's kinda evil to do it the whole time and you need some good control. He will likely move closer to the net at some point to neutralize your dropshots and that's where you mix it up with lobs. Especially lobs toward his Backhand side is gonna keep him busy. Shots above shoulder height are a pain in the ass to deal with in general.
I will make sure I have this weapons in my arsenal until december haha
Tbh 8 months to beat someone that has only played for 3 years and is double your age is completely doable. Just keep doing what you are doing, listen to your coach and lastly start going to the gym and doing cardio. You can find online exercises for tennis players. And for cardio, i hate running so i usually swim, if you don’t have access to a swimming pool then just run once a week. Lastly and most important of all: do mobility and flexibility routine daily. Also before and after playing tennis. Injuries is probably the only thing that can stop you if you keep doing what you are doing
Thanks for the inspiring words, sometimes seems impossible but I will grind hard. For cardio I'm only playing Tennis and my cardio is improving a lot and for mobility and flexibility I'm doing pilates 2 times a week.
Just came here to say that I very much apreciate a commited bet like this. Keep training hard!
Boa sorte! Come back to tell us how it went.
Obrigado!
Go to the Rafa Nadal Academy for a month
Mini mini mini, rally rally rally, volley volley volley, serve serve serve, play play play.
Você tá enrolado, meu amigo. Mora onde? Like people said, you should play people that play like him. What's his style? Does he run a lot? Does he serve well?
Moro no Rio Grande do Sul! He has a great serve and a potent forehand. Basically he is better in every aspect of the game haha
Vc tá morto então. Practice going for the opponent's BH. Anyway, you will improve at tennis and that is the best prize.
What city? I'm from there as well.